G DiPietro gets tryout contract in AHL

The Sports Xchange

The SportsXchangeOctober 27, 2013

Goaltender Rick DiPietro, trying to make it back to the NHL, signed a professional tryout contract with the Charlotte Checkers of the American Hockey League, the Raleigh News & Observer confirmed Saturday. A former No. 1 overall pick by the New York Islanders in 2000 NHL Draft, DiPietro last played during the 2012-13 season in the AHL with the Islanders' Bridgeport affiliate. The Checkers are affiliated with the Carolina Hurricanes. The 32-year-old veteran's 15-year contract was bought out by the Islanders on July 3. DiPietro is second in franchise history in games played with 318. DiPietro's NHL record stands at 130-136-8-28 with a 2.87 goals-against average and a .902 save percentage. In 18 games for Bridgeport last season, he was 9-9-0 with a 2.93 GAA and a .893 save percentage. The Hurricanes are in need of goaltending help because of injuries to starter Cam Ward (lower body) and backup Anton Khudobin (lower body). Carolina recalled goalie Mike Murphy from Charlotte on Thursday and signed former Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Allen York to a professional tryout contract on Friday.